Dengue situation in Rawalpindi demands sincere efforts: Khawaja Salman Rafique

Lahore: Advisor on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that next two/three weeks are very important with regard to breeding of dengue mosquito. He said that if all concerned departments continued steps for eradication of dengue with the same pace, no extra-ordinary situation will have to be faced. He said that due to change of weather, larvae reporting in open places has reduced and mosquito has entered inside the houses, therefore, dengue surveillance teams will have to pay maximum attention to indoor surveillance.

He said this while presiding over a meeting of Cabinet Committee on eradication of dengue, here today. DCO Lahore Capt. (R) Muhammad Usman, EDO Lahore Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Additional Director General Health Vector Born Diseases Dr. Islam Zafar, Dean IPH Prof. Moaz Ahmed, Dr. Somia Iqtidar, District Officer Health Rawalpindi, senior officers of Incharge departments of all towns, Director General PITB, officers of Special Branch, Cantonment Board, Environment Department and Information & Culture department were present on the occasion.

Dr. Islam Zafar told that at present, there are 113 dengue patients in the hospitals of Lahore and Rawalpindi who are being looked after properly. He told that Rawalpindi city has badly affected due to dengue during current year whereas situation in Lahore and Sheikhupura is under control.

DCO Lahore Capt.(R) Muhammad Usman informed about the activities of City District Government with regard to steps of outdoor and indoor dengue surveillance. He told that targeted fogging and indoor spray is being carried out according to guidelines of the experts where dengue larvae or dengue mosquito is found. He said that case response is also being ensured in the houses of dengue patients.

All concerned departments gave briefings about the steps taken for eradication of dengue in the meeting. Kh. Salman Rafiq said that dengue situation in Rawalpindi demands sincere efforts, therefore, all concerned departments should pay special attention for controlling dengue in Rawalpindi. Kh. Salman Rafique said that he himself will visit Rawalpindi again within next few days to review the situation.